EXECUTIVE ORDER KBB 05-61

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Designation

WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable that all federal, state, local, and tribal emergency agencies and personnel coordinate their efforts to effectively and efficiently provide the highest levels of incident management;

WHEREAS, the President in Homeland Security Directive (HSPD)-5, directed the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (hereafter "NIMS"), which would provide a consistent nationwide approach for federal, state, local and tribal governments to work together more effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity;

WHEREAS, the collective input and guidance from all federal, state, local and tribal homeland security partners has been, and will continue to be, vital to the development, effective implementation and utilization of a comprehensive NIMS;

WHEREAS, the NIMS standardized procedures for managing personnel, communication, facilities and resources will improve the state's ability to utilize federal funding to enhance local and state agency readiness, maintain first responder safety, and streamline incident management process;

WHEREAS, the Incident Command System components of NIMS are already an integral part of various incident management activities throughout the state, including current emergency management training programs;

WHEREAS, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9-11 Commission) has also recommended adoption of a standardized incident command system; and

WHEREAS, the best interests of the citizens of the state of Louisiana are served by the adoption of the standardized incident command system to facilitate the most efficient and effective incident management;

NOW THEREFORE I, KATHLEEN BABINEAUX BLANCO, Governor of the state of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the state of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: The National Interagency Incident Management System (NIMS) is hereby established within the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as the state of Louisiana's standard for incident management .

SECTION 2: As mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-5, beginning in fiscal year 2005, adoption of NIMS will be a requirement for receipt of sub-grant funds from the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

SECTION 3: All departments, commissions, boards, offices, entities, agencies, and officers of the state of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate with the implementation of the provisions of this Order.

SECTION 4: This Order is effective upon signature and shall continue in effect until amended, modified, terminated, or rescinded by the governor, or terminated by operation of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the city of Baton Rouge, on this 13th day of October, 2005.